For third time, Peel's sentencing delayed

Gary Peel's sentencing has been delayed again, this time so he can find an attorney to help him argue in an appeal that his three federal public defenders were "inadequate."

Peel, who was found guilty on four counts of obstruction of justice, bankruptcy fraud and possession of child pornography by a federal jury in East St. Louis on March 23, was set to be sentenced today.

U.S. District Judge William Stiehl granted Peel's motion to seek a lawyer to represent him against his three lawyers, including the chief public defender.

Peel was prosecuted for blackmailing his ex-wife Deborah Peel with nude photos taken of her 16-year-old sister in 1974.

This is the third delay in his sentencing, which was originally slated for June 25. Peel, who is currently being held in the Clinton County jail, faces 40 years in prison and fines of $250,000.

On June 6, Phillip Kavanaugh, chief federal public defender, asked Stiehl to delay the sentencing for at least 30 days so that he can file objections to the presentence investigation report (PSR) that was filed on May 21.

Stiehl granted the motion and set a new date for Aug. 3.

However in July, prosecutors asked Stiehl for more time to reply to Peel's objections to the PSR. Stiehl granted that motion and set the sentencing date for Oct. 1.